Now Accepting Applications
The New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund will be accepting grant applications from qualifying nonprofit organizations. The application portal opens Monday, July 7, 2025, and will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2025.
The program was created by the New Orleans City Council in 2022 to provide funding to organizations that contribute to the well-being, development, and growth of the New Orleans community. Grant funding is administered by the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Have a registered headquarters or permanent physical location in Orleans Parish
- Have existed for at least three years
- Be in good standing with the IRS and the Louisiana Secretary of State
- Submit all required documentation listed in the application guidelines
Award Amounts
Organizations may request up to $100,000 in grant funding, but awards are limited to no more than 50 percent of the organization's current annual operating budget. Each organization may submit only one application.
Funds may be used for general operating support or for specific program expenses. However, organizations that received general operating support in the previous cycle may not apply for it again this year and are only eligible for programmatic funding.
Funding Process
After applications close on August 1, 2025, the Council Fiscal Office will review submissions for eligibility and forward them to individual Council members for selection. Final award decisions will be made by resolution of the full City Council, with funding disbursed in installments based on grant size and report completion.
The Recreation and Culture Fund is financed through city-allocated revenues. The fund is held in an interest-bearing account, and all interest accrued is reinvested into the fund.
For questions or to apply, contact the Greater New Orleans Foundation at 504-598-4663 or visit the Foundation's website to access the application portal.
